Prior to beginning work on this Packback Discussion,
· Read Chapter 7: Developing a Philosophy of Teaching and Learning in your Introduction to Teaching: Making a Difference in Student Learning textbook.
· Review theK-5 character education lesson: respecting differences (Links to an external site.) and the 6-12 character education lesson: digital citizenship (Links to an external site.) as well as the Six pillars of character (Links to an external site.) page.
· Review the background information for this week’s discussion topic in the Packback Discussion Forum Guidance section below.
· Follow the directions in the task section of the Packback Discussion Forum Guidance section below.
Background Information: The Six Pillars of Character
Educators are held to a higher standard when it comes to ethics and character, because they are always in the position of an example. Everything an educator does is geared toward building up an individual and helping them to become the greatest person they can be. The Six Pillars of Character as presented by Character Counts are a good guide for educators to be accountable to as they teach their students about character.
Watch the following video:
(111) Teacher integrates the Six Pillars of Character into discussion of George Washington – YouTube
This video of a schoolteacher explaining to a group of her peers how she integrates the Six Pillars of Character into her lessons should give you a better perspective on the six pillars of character in the teaching and learning process.
Watch the following video:
This video was filmed at a school near Los Angeles that uses the Six Pillars of Character as a school-wide positive behavior intervention support system (PBIS). In it you can see how character is a huge part of the social and academic culture of the school.
The Six pillars of character (Links to an external site.) is a framework for teaching good character and is composed of six values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Each of the six character traits is used within our CHARACTER COUNTS! Program to help instill a positive learning environment for students and a culture of kindness, making schools a safe environment for students to learn. The Six Pillars of Character values are not political, religious, or culturally biased. In fact, every year since 1995 the program has been officially recognized and endorsed by the values (characteristics) everyone can agree upon.
· Trustworthiness: Think “true blue.” Be honest. Do not deceive, cheat, or steal. Be reliable—do what you say you will do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal—stand by your family, friends, and country.
· Respect: Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. Be tolerant and accepting of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Do not threaten, hit, or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
· Responsibility: Do what you are supposed to do. Plan ahead. Be diligent. Persevere. Do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act. Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes. Set a good example for others.
· Fairness: Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded; listen to others. Do not take advantage of others. Do not blame others carelessly. Treat all people fairly.
· Caring: Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need. Be charitable and altruistic.
· Citizenship: Do your share to make your school and community better. Cooperate. Get involved in community affairs. Stay informed; vote. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment. Volunteer.
As a future educator, you are encouraged to measure yourself against the Six Pillars of Character and apply them to the character traits you must display to be successful in maintaining good grades in your schoolwork.
An aspect of the Six Pillars of Character that directly applies to you as a student and one that you will hopefully teach your students is “due dates versus do dates.” There is a difference between a due date and a do date. You cannot wait until a thing is due to begin doing it; that could cause you a world of trouble. How can you apply good and healthy character to better plan your time and begin doing things before they are due?
Task
The whole point of this week is to get you to contemplate the level of ethics and character that you must exhibit as an educator.
Prior to participating in this discussion forum, reflect on the Six Pillars of Character (Links to an external site.) page, as well as the K-5 character education lesson: respecting differences (Links to an external site.) and the 6-12 character education lesson: digital citizenship (Links to an external site.) paying attention to the level of education in which you wish to serve (i.e., early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, or adult).
Craft a thought-provoking question around the Six Pillars of Character, their importance to that level, and how you will incorporate them in the teaching and learning process. The idea is for you to further the critical thinking processes of your classmates by challenging them to broaden their awareness of the impact of the Six Pillars of Character in the field of education
